Jomsom Muktinath Trek -16 days

The very classic, “Jomsom Muktinath Trek” encapsulates the world's deepest gorge of the Kali Gandaki River, the charisma of Jomsom and the pious milieu of Muktinath- one of the most revered pilgrimage sites for Buddhists and Hindus. Since the trek attains the maximum altitude of just 3800 meters, it can be completed by anybody with a moderate level of fitness. As you saunter along the Kali Gandaki River Gorge, the 8000 meters + peaks like Annapurna-I and Dhaulagiri greet you with their apparent immortality. In the inception, we traverse through the Annapurna region ascending alongside the beatific rice terraces and villages inhabited by the indigenous people, mostly the “Gurungs”. A hike to the famed “Poon Hill” offers jaw-dropping views of sunrise and the surrounding Himalayas. The trek gets more soothing in Tatopani as you take a plunge in the hot spring to do away your fatigue; it gives you the reminiscence of being at one of the sophisticated city spas. In the days ahead, we pass by attractive town of Jomsom and then Kagbeni, the gateway to the secluded region of Upper Mustang. Witnessing the grandeur of the Dhaulagiri Glacier we make our way along the windy Tibetan plateau towards the pious premises of Muktinath. This sacred temple has 108 waterfalls that resemble the water flowing from taps and a baffling eternal flame fuelled by natural gas. The Jomsom Muktinath Trek is not just a trek to say the least; it’s a trip that sanctifies your soul.

OUTLINE ITINERARY

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1400m)

Day 02: Kathmandu city sightseeing (1400m)

Day 03: Flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara (820m/25 min)

Day 04: Drive from Pokhara to Nayapul (1070m/2hrs) and Trek from Nayapul to Tikhedhunga (1480/4hrs)

Day 05: Trek from Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani (2874m/6 - 7hours)

Day 06: Day 06: Hike from Ghorepani to Poon Hill (3210m) and back to Ghorepani (2750m/1hr); trek from Ghorepani to Tatopani (1190m/5-6 hrs)

Day 07: Trek from Tatopani to Ghasa (2010m/5 - 6 hrs)

Day 08: Trek from Ghasa to Larjung (2550m/4 - 5 hrs)

Day 09: Trek from Larjung to Jomsom (2750m/5 hrs)

Day 10: Trek from Jomsom to Kagbeni (2800m/3 - 4 hrs)

Day 11: Trek from Kagbeni to Muktinath (3760m/4hrs)

Day 12: Trek back from Muktinath to Jomsom (2750m/6 - 7 hrs)

Day 13: Flight from Jomsom to Pokhara (820m/25 min); half day sightseeing in Pokhara

Day 14: Flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu (1400m/25min)

Day 15: A free day in Kathmandu

Day 16: Final Departure

​ Important Snippets

The itinerary prescribed above is the standard template of the trip plan offered by Marron Treks which can be readily customized to match the guests’ preferences. However, the guests are expected to understand that the execution of the trip plan might be circumvented by an array of uncontrollable factors like bad weather, political turmoil, strikes, blockades and other unforeseen contingencies. Besides, the domestic flights in Nepal could be subjected to delays or cancellations owing to adverse weather conditions or technical glitches. It is worth mentioning that the flights cannot be operated in the condition where the visibility is less than 1600 meters. Under such abnormal circumstances, the trip plans might undergo slight or sharp alterations, taking into consideration, the best interest of the clients. Wherever the changes are made, Marron Treks cannot be held responsible for the consequences. Nevertheless, we shall endeavor our level best to make sure that the trip is carried out with respect to the original trip specifics.

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1400m)

Once you land at the Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu and accomplish your entry/visa formalities, you will be received by a representative from Marron Treks and transferred to the hotel. Welcome drinks will be served at the hotel after which we will have a quick pre-trip meeting and discuss the itineraries. You can then take your time to relax, unpack and spend the time as you wish. In the evening, stroll around the nearby places and get the feel of this energetic city. Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu; breakfast included.

Day 02: Kathmandu city sightseeing (1400m)

Let’s savor the succulent breakfast and get ready for a guided tour to the historic, religious and cultural sites of Kathmandu. Hop in to our transport vehicle with an experienced city guide and drive through the hullabaloo of Kathmandu. Our guide will be taking you to visit the renowned sites listed in the UNESCO world’s heritage list- the Pasupatinath Temple (the most revered Hindu shrine), Swayambunath (the Monkey Temple) and Kathmandu (Basantapur) Durbar Square. After this interesting and informative tour, we drive back to the hotel. You can now head for shopping the trekking goodies. Most of the items are available on rent. You can take the help of our guide in identifying the best rental outlet. Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu; breakfast included.

Day 03: Flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara (820m/25 min)

We take a morning flight to Pokhara. On board enjoy the mountainous vista; Mt Annapurna and Mt. Fishtail (Machhapuchchre) in their snowy attire, almost glaring at you as you glance out of the plane’s window! After meager 25 minutes, you will set your feet in one of the most appealing cities of Nepal. Pokhara happens to be the most longed tourist destination for vacationing. You have the entire day for leisure activities. Exploring this lake city would be a good option. Overnight at hotel in Pokhara; breakfast included.

Day 04: Drive from Pokhara to Nayapul (1070m/2hrs) and Trek from Nayapulto Tikhedhunga (1480/4hrs)

We head on for a 2 hours’ drive to Naya Pul via Nau Danda, relishing the mountainous vistas of Fishtail, Lamjung, Himalchuli and Annapurna South. Upon our arrival at Nayapul, our trek commences. A short 15 minutes’ walk following the Modi River brings us to Birathanti, a large village with an impressive cluster of shops and teahouses. From here, the trail stretches through the village and follows the north bank of the Bhurungdi River. Our route now climbs steadily up the side of the valley to Hille. A short climb thorough the sub-tropical valley forests and a carved trail on the cliff-side eventually brings us to Tikhe Dhunga at 1,570m. Today’s walk is relatively easy, a prelude to the trekking experience in the Annapurna region. Overnight at teahouse in Tikhedhunga; breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 05: Trek from Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani (2874m/6 - 7hours)

Our trek today begins with a downhill walk and then continues ahead crossing the Burungdi River. We now make a very steep ascent to the village of Ulleri. From Ulleri, the trail continues to ascend, but more gently this time, through the forests of Oak and Rhododendrons, towards Banthanti. Moving ahead, we pass by Nangethanti and then finally arrive at Ghorepani. The name Ghorepani in Nepali means "horse-water" and the name signifies the role of this place as an important campsite for traders before it became a trekker's stop. Owing to is higher elevation, we might to feel the chill a bit, especially in the evenings. Overnight at teahouse in Ghorepani; breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 06: Hike from Ghorepani to Poon Hill (3210m) and back to Ghorepani (2874m/1hr); trek from Ghorepani to Tatopani(1190m/5-6 hrs)

Hiking to Poon Hill is a pre-dawn venture in order to capture the fascinating view of sunrise from this vantage point. It takes about an hour to climb from Ghorepani to Poon Hill and once you’re at the top out there, you are certainly going to be flabbergasted to witness the hypnotic beauty of the surrounding. Take a sip of your hot chocolate, while you watch the sun escalating above the magnificent Himalayas. After indulging ourselves in the panorama for some time, we hike back to Ghorepani for breakfast. Our mission today is to get to Tatopani, so, once we are done with the breakfast, we kick off the trek following a downhill route to Chitre. The trail further drops down to “Sikha” revealing the extensively terraced hills. The descent continues, even steeper this time, as we pass by the settlement of “Ghara” and then cross the Ghar River on a suspension bridge. From here, the trail climbs up following the Kali Gandaki River and crosses it on a suspension bridge. Diverting northwards, we arrive at Tatopani. You can enjoy the hot spring here to do away the trekking fatigue. Overnight at teahouse in Tatopani; breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 07: Trek from Tatopani to Ghasa(2010m/5 - 6 hrs)

Perhaps that dip in the purported therapeutic waters of Tatopani must have definitely flexed your aching muscles!! It’s time now to move on; we climb up the Kali Gandaki gorge, considered to be the deepest in the world, which is situated between the two 8,000m + peaks of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. The trail now takes us gently up towards “Dana” at 1,400m, and then to Rupse Chhahara at 1,550m. Check out a stunning waterfall here! As the trail crosses to the eastern bank of the Kali Gandaki River, we reach Kopchepani. We again cross back to the western side and cross the river on a suspension bridge. A short climb from here will get us to Ghasa. Overnight at teahouse in Ghasa; breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 08: Trek from Ghasa to Larjung(2550m/4 - 5 hrs)

Let’s begin the day with a steep climb through the forest until we arrive at Lete River. Continuing ahead brings us to a place called Kalopani, within the premises of a prominent “Magar Village”, where we halt for lunch. Our post lunch trek resumes towards the east side of the Kali Gandaki River till we finally get to the settlement of Larjung. Overnight at teahouse in Larjung; breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 09: Trek from Larjung to Jomsom(2750m/5 hrs)

After a good night’s rest at Larjung, we gear up for the days trek along a seemingly flat trail. On the way, we can witness a Buddhist Stupa. The trail now stretches past the settlement of Tukuche, a village dominated by the people of “Thakali” community. We also pass by the apple farm project and arrive at the tranquil premises of “Marpha Village”. Stopping here for about an hour for lunch, we go for a short hike to the nearby monastery and the cider house. From here, our trail continues along the valley side, rising gradually before crossing over a low ridge to Jomsom, a large bustling town and an administrative hub housing the government offices, airport and an array of hotels and shops. Overnight at teahouse in Jomsom; breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 10: Trek from Jomsom to Kagbeni(2800m/3 - 4 hrs)

Admiring the scintillating beauty of Jomsom, we bid farewell to this lovely town and head on further crossing the Panga River. Enduring the fairly strong winds, we continue gradually along the “Kali Gandaki” river bed for about 3 hours which brings us to Ekle Bhatti (meaning a standalone inn). We can take a sojourn for about an hour here and then embark along an easy trail to “Kagbeni”, a windswept village poised on the orthodox trans Himalayan salt trade route via Upper Mustang . Overnight at teahouse in Kagbeni; breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 11: Trek from Kagbeni to Muktinath(3760m/4hrs)

Leaving Kagbeni necessitates us to climb up the Jhong River Valley. We now join the direct trail to Muktinath just below “Khingar” and make an ascent above the Jhong River to a very prominent looking settlement of “Jharkot”. There are plenty of stuffs here worth exploring. We take a lunch break and head on for an explorative stroll around “Jharkot”. After that short recreation, we continue along a steep trail to “Muktinath”, one of the most revered pilgrimage sites for Buddhists and Hindus. There are shrines in a grove of trees including a Buddhist Gompa & the Vishnu (the Hindu God signifying the creation and destruction of all the existences) temple called “Jwalamai”. There is also an old temple nearby which shelters a spring and natural gas jets that fuels Muktinath’s famous eternal flame. It’s the earth-water- fire combination that accounts for Muktinath’s great religious significance. Overnight at teahouse in Muktinath; breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 12: Trek back from Muktinath to Jomsom (2750m/6 - 7 hrs)

We’ve achieved the real intent of this trek, so now it’s basically about making our way back. So, retracing our steps back to Kagbeni and then to Ekle Bhatti, we continue trailing along the very familiar river bed of Kali Gandaki, until we finally enter the hullabaloo of Jomsom. Overnight at teahouse in Jomsom; breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 13: Flight from Jomsom to Pokhara (820m/25 min); half day sightseeing in Pokhara

We take a morning flight from Jomsom and in meager 30 minutes, our aircraft touches down the beautiful airport at Pokhara, the cleanest airport in Nepal. We will then be driven to our hotel. In the afternoon we will have a sightseeing tour around Pokhara valley, which covers Fewa Lake, Rupa Lake, Davis Falls, Museum, Tibetan refugee settlement and Gupteshower cave, etc. In the evening you can try out the foods in one of the funky restaurants nearby. Overnight at hotel in Pokhara; breakfast included.

Day 14: Flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu(1400m/25min)

We board a flight to Kathmandu and after 25 minutes on air, we land at the domestic wing of the Kathmandu airport. A representative from Marron Treks will receive and transfer you to your designated hotel. You have just gotten back from a long trip, so you would probably want to groom yourself and relax. Try out the herbal spa and do away the fatigue. You have an extra day at Kathmandu tomorrow. Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu; breakfast included.

Day 15: A free day in Kathmandu

A free day in Kathmandu to fulfill anything that you missed out spotting in this energetic capital of Nepal. You can indulge yourself in shopping or strolling around some of the cultural and historical landmarks of Kathmandu. Thamel is your hot spot for shopping where you can haul all the souvenirs representing Nepal and its culture. May be that in addition to your interesting trip anecdotes, you would also want to take back some stuff for your friends and relatives. In the evening, a farewell dinner with a range of traditional Nepali cuisines, will be hosted by Marron Treks. Enjoy the dinner, pack/prepare yourself for a flight back home and have a beauty sleep. Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu; breakfast and dinner included.

Day 16: Final Departure

A representative from Marron Treks will escort you to the Tribhuwan International Airport, three hours prior to your flight schedule. As you wave us good bye and enter the terminal block, you would perhaps recall your arrival at this place. No wonder everything seems so familiar now because, you had come here as tourist, but you are going back as a friend! Have a safe flight back home and we look forward to being your travel companion in Nepal again! Trips can always be extended. You can try out some of our other exciting packages like Bungy Jumping, Mountain Biking, Jungle Safari, White Water Rafting, Golfing & Paragliding etc. Please let us know about your desire for trip extension so that we can make the necessary arrangements.

Important Snippets

The itinerary prescribed above is the standard template of the trip plan offered by Marron Treks which can be readily customized to match the guests’ preferences. However, the guests are expected to understand that the execution of the trip plan might be circumvented by an array of uncontrollable factors like bad weather, political turmoil, strikes, blockades and other unforeseen contingencies. Besides, the domestic flights in Nepal could be subjected to delays or cancellations owing to adverse weather conditions or technical glitches. It is worth mentioning that the flights cannot be operated in the condition where the visibility is less than 1600 meters. Under such abnormal circumstances, the trip plans might undergo slight or sharp alterations, taking into consideration, the best interest of the clients. Wherever the changes are made, Marron Treks cannot be held responsible for the consequences. Nevertheless, we shall endeavor our level best to make sure that the trip is carried out with respect to the original trip specifics.

Along the trekking route, there are many Tea House/ Lodges to stay. They provide good services. We will ensure you get the best of the services available so that you enjoy every bit of your trek.

Meals

We arrange the best quality food during the trek as we are concerned about the health of the trekkers as well as the staff members. Basically, we opt for locally available food in the Annapurna Region so that you could a real sense of the culture, living patterns, simultaneously promoting the locally available resources of organic food and beverages. Other than, a wide range of Continental, Chinese, Italian and Indian cuisines like Pizza, Spaghetti, French Fries, Soups, Breads etc are also available for your retreat.

Porter and Staff Care

We ensure that all the porters and other staffs going to high altitude conditions are provided with adequate clothing and equipments. They are the backbones of a trek.

Best Months

The months of January - December are considered to be the best for Jomsom Muktinath Trek.

Any Experience Required ?

For Jomsom Muktinath Trek no former experience required. Physical fitness is the only key to accomplish this trek.

Difficulties

Anyone who is physically fit, could easily go for this trek

Our Guides

Guides play a very active role during the trek. Marron Treks has experienced and helpful treking guides who make your trip enjoyable as well as productive. Our guides are literate, multilingual speakers, environment conscious and well acquainted to culture, language, location and every single detail pertaining to the Annapurna Region . This would help our trekkers make the most of their trip.

Travel Insurance

It is advised that you arrange your travel insurance before leaving your homeland. The main thing is to make sure that your insurance covers you for both medical and evacuation costs. In some places it is not necessary but it would be better if you have the travel insurance with you all the time. That would make your trip safe and hassle free.

Entrance and monumental fees during the sightseeing in Kathmandu & Pokhara as prescribed in the itinerary.

Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara on “BB” basis as per itinerary.

All ground transportation costs in accordance to the itinerary.

All trekking accommodation costs on full board (B, L,D) basis as per the itinerary. Four seasonal sleeping bag (to be returned after trip completion) duffel bag, t-shirt and Cap (provided as complimentary gears).

A comprehensive medical kit (will be carried by the trekking guide).

Salary to guide and porters for the trekking period.

Personal insurance for crew members.

All applicable tourist fees, conservation fees, "special permit" fees & TIMS fees necessary for trekking. Special Trekking Permit fee for Kagbeni is US$ 500 per person for 10 days. Any additional stay beyond this will cost US$ 50 per day, per person. Permit fee outside of the restricted area in Dolpo is US$ 10 per person per week.

Nepal entry visa fee – Visa can be obtained upon your arrival at the Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu. (Tourist Visa with Multiple Entries for 15 days costs US $ 25 or equivalent foreign currency, Tourist Visa with Multiple Entries for 30 days and 90 days costs US $40 and $ 100 respectively. You will need a valid passport and 2 copies of your recent PP sized photos).

Tips to the guide, porter, driver, hotel and tea-house staff (Tipping is expected).

Cost incurred due to the addition of extra days or change in the real course of the itinerary because of bad weather conditions, political turmoil or any other unforeseen contingencies.

Garbage deposit fees (refundable).

Any other expenses not mentioned in the 'Cost Includes' section above.

TREKKING GEARS & EQUIPMENTS

Needless to say that kitting and stuffing yourself out for a trek is almost a herculean task which keeps you mulling and often gets you overwhelmed. But at the mercy of the renting outlets sprouting in every visible corner in Kathmandu, preparing for trekking in Nepal these days is almost tantamount to equipping yourself for a weekend backpacking trip. Most of the heavy and expensive items are easily available on rent, so you don’t actually have to travel Nepal with a cartload of gears. We have endeavored to formulate a categorical checklist that gives you a tentative idea regarding the gears and accessories mandatory for you during the trek. The list could vary depending upon the kind of trek you pursue, the terrain, weather conditions and time of the year. For instance, you don’t need the camp-trek equipments when you are on a tea-house trek. This listing below simply serves as a guideline and you can always have your own checklist. It is always preferable to pack light and the key to this is to carry the gears and accessories that have multidimensional uses.

CLOTHING (Core & Lower body)

Water-proof (breathable fabric) jacket, Poncho or Umbrella

Hard shell pants (breathable fabric- 1 set), preferably that zips from top and bottom which can be worn over boots without getting undressed, in case of abrupt weather changes

Duffle bag (will be provided by Marron Treks as a complimentary gear and you needn't return it )

Pack cover (to protect your gears from getting wet)

Day sack/Nylon stuff sack

Sleeping Bag/ Silk liner (will be provided by Marron Treks but

should be returned after the trip)

Water bottle

Good head torch along with spare batteries and bulbs

Maps, compass and a guide book

Trekking poles

Miscellaneous Bits

The items below could seem trivial, but if you don’t have them, you might just find

yourself sticky and stinky, which isn’t actually good for you!

Toiletries

Quick-drying camp towel

Detergent powder/bar

Toilet paper

Sunscreen Lotion (SPF 20+) & Lip balm

Pocket knife

Sewing/Repair Kit (for tent & mattress)

Emergency kit including a whistle, waterproof match/lighter

Padlocks for bags and lodge rooms

Stuff sacks

Earplugs

Candlesticks

Medicaments

It is important that you can include the medicines prescribed by your doctor. Below is just the generic list of medications. We advice you to always consult your travel doctor as you might be resistant or allergic to some medicines

Anesthetics (Ibuprofen/Aspirin)

Broad spectrum antibiotics tablets

Metronidazole and Antacids (for diarrohea /indigestion)

Broad spectrum ointments (Neosporin/ Clotrimazole/Gentamicin)

Antiseptic liquids (Dettol/Savlon)

Assorted band-aids

Small gauge pad

Roll of adhesive tape

Iodine tablets

Optional Carry

Nothing hard and fast about carrying the items in this list as they are not the basics. Yet, though not all, if you still manage to squeeze in some of these items on your carry, you will not regret as they might just come handy during the trek

Camera, memory card and battery charger

GPS unit Altimeters

Binoculars

Pee bottle for men (leak proof/wide mouth) & Pee funnel for women

Books and magazines

Departure Date

Marron Treks has calibrated fixed departure dates for all the trek packages. We operate group as well as individual/private treks. Please pick the most palpable date for you and book your trip now. If the dates below don’t fit your schedule, kindly contact us directly and let us know about your preference.

Trip Facts

Starting Price: USD XXXX (On request)

Group Size: 01 – 12 Pax

Trip Grade: Moderate + fairly challenging

Accommodation: Hotel/Tea House

Transportation: Private Car/Flight

Highest Elevation: Muktinath (3760)

Lowest Elevation: Pokhara (820m)

Average Walking Hours per Day: 5 Hours

Trek Commences From: Nayapul (1070m)

Trek Terminates At: Jomsom (2750m)

Best Months: Jan-Dec

Trip Highlights

Interesting and informative tour around Kathmandu valley with an experienced city guide, visiting the most renowned historical and cultural landmarks herein

A short scenic flight to Pokhara followed by an interesting/informative sightseeing that unfolds the glamour and natural splendor of this famed tourist hotspot in Nepal

Ascend the magnificent vantage point of Poon Hill (3210m) and witness the jaw-dropping views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, including the very artistic, Mt. Fishtail

Cast away your fatigue at the hot spring of Tatopani

Acquaintance to Kagbeni, a gate way to the restricted zone of Mustang and a major trading route between India and Tibet

Pay a visit to the “Muktinath Temple”, one of the most revered pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhists

Internalize the very unique lifestyle of the "Thakali", an indigenous community of north western Nepal; sample the succulent Thakali cuisines

Explore the very picturesque, Kali Gandaki River valley

Stroll around the beautiful town of Jomsom, an administrative hub of the Dhaulagiri zone

Farewell dinner party featuring a range of traditional Nepali cuisines and an entertaining cultural show streaming live just for you!